15th April

I get up early to watch the Grand Prix. This is the first time this year that its live on the BBC. The greedy FIA have opted to go for Sky's bid - more money for their pockets and f**k the rest of the people who want to watch it. Less than 10% of the household in the UK want to pay to watch Sky or can afford to watch Sky or (in our case) want to put any more money in Murdoch's pocket! Still I guess that there aren't many who can afford to aspire to be in that sport. You've got to be at least middle class and on a good income to be able to afford to put your kid through the rigours of F1.

Anyway, I switch on the telly to find the presenters are in a clothing shop. Check the TV times and find that the race itself is not on until 8 am although the programme starts at 7am. I should've read the small print last night! Well, at least Blake is happy as he got fed an hour early and he loves his food!

The race is bloody good. Really gripping all the way through to the last lap. We're Hamilton supporters with Button a close second on our radar. I'm also keeping an eye on Di Resta. Of course, they're all British but that's not the real reason. Hamilton is a real talent, Button is a really likeable guy and Di Rest a has the same first name as me! Well, my middle name!

Stroll over the fields as usual. The rape plants are starting to flower into their characteristic yellow carpet. It does look stunning.

Back home I clear the dining room in preparation of moving the bulk of the sitting room into this one whilst we decorate. Afterwards I move the books, furniture, books, lamps, books, ornaments, books and books from one room to another. Its like taking a walk down memory lane as I go through the stuff. Especially pictures of family. A few of Mum and Dad and the brothers and sisters from various visits and parties.

Pascale and Alex pop in on their way back down to Chelmsford after their long weekend on the north Norfolk coast. They look well relaxed! Colin and Blake run into the garden and play endless games of tug of war, catch, hide the bone, I've got the toy and generally knacker each other. We chat and Pascale helps Marian to set up her new iPhone which she got just before the weekend (she's been fiddling around with it for the past 3 days!).

Its good to see them. I finish off what I can with emptying the room when they leave but still have some more to do when I decide to call it quits - I'd promised to do the BBQ so don't want to leave it too late.

I get a message to tell me that the new doors have been installed and signed off! This is from the office where we have new automatic front doors going in. A major piece of work which can only be done on the weekend. I'm told that its been signed off and handed back to the council. Great news. I was worried about that especially as I'm not in next week. It means I can sleep easy.